Proud Father-Son Traditions You Can Start Too

The 10 Father-Son Traditions That Built The World's Most Successful Families

This article is part of our Dream StateMENTs feature, providing advice and inspiration to men who are following their dreams, no matter what they may be.

Father’s Day is on the horizon, and with it comes the mad scramble to think of something to get dad that he doesn’t already have. Sons deal with a special kind of stress, what with having the burden of carrying on our father’s legacy as a man. But why confine honoring dad to one day, and why tie it to a gift? In Legendary Father-Son Traditions You Can Start Too, we examine some time-honored traditions — inspired by some of the most notable father-son duos in history — that you can share with your dad. Spending time together beats another necktie every time.

Go Sailing

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President John F. Kennedy and Sons.

No matter who you are, there are few better ways to spend a mild afternoon than out on the water. The Kennedy family has a rich sailing tradition, such that it’s something most people associate with JFK aside from his time in the White House. Your dad may be an old hand when it comes to navigating the open waters, or you could both be total novices. Heck, there’s no shame in piloting a motorboat, either. The point is, getting out on the water is something worth sharing with your dad, and something you can pass down for generations.

Play Catch

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Bryce Harper and father Ron Harper

If there’s one quintessential father-son tradition, it’s playing catch. Most of us learned the game of baseball from our dads, but there’s no reason to keep your mit in storage now that you’re grown. Washington Nationals phenom Bryce Harper still likes to play soft toss with his dad, and on a big scale — his father Ron is Bryce’s go-to when he needs someone to lob balls for the Home Run Derby. You might not be mashing taters with dad in a big league park, but having a catch is still a way to pass time on an afternoon while shooting the breeze with your father.

Cook Together

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Chef Curtis Stone and his son Hudson

Cooking is far from “women’s work” these days, but in reality it has been for some time — think of all the great chefs that are/were men. Cooking with someone is a great bonding activity involving coordination and teamwork, and it’s hard to beat the payoff of a delectable meal you cooked yourself. Just ask celebrity chef Curtis Stone — he’s gotten his young son, Hudson, started in the kitchen early, learning skills he’ll keep for a lifetime. That kid’s going to make a lot of women happy one of these days.

Go Hunting

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Country singer Luke Bryan and his Father

To be sure, hunting isn’t for everyone. Maybe you live in a city where it’s not feasible, or maybe you’re just not down with killing animals. That’s cool, but if you’re open to the idea, there’s something incredibly primal about being on a hunt, even if you come home empty-handed. While sitting and waiting silently, it’s hard not to appreciate how this is a skill men have passed down to their sons since the dawn of mankind. If you need inspiration, Country megastar Luke Bryan (along with countless others) is a big-time bowhunter. He got started with his father, and it’s a tradition he makes time for whenever he can.

Play Golf

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Pres. George H.W. Bush and Pres. George W. Bush

The primary appeal of golf is that it can be enjoyed, together, by players of all ages and skill levels thanks to different tee markers and the handicapping system. If you’re still in the rat race and dad has retired, chances are he can smoke you on the links — but even if he’s lost a step, the game is designed for him to stay competitive. Just ask Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, the father-son presidential duo that led the country through a combined three terms. If those two busy men could find time to get out and play, so can you.

Go To Church

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Mark Wahlberg and sons

Not all of us are Godly people, and that’s perfectly OK, but most people in America still are. If so, it can be easy to lose sight of what worship is all about, what with compressed schedules and kids (and football, for part of the year). In the end, though, church is as much about family and community as it is individual worship, and it’s a great way to keep a standing appointment with dad. The very-Catholic Mark Wahlberg tries to take his sons to church twice every Sunday — that may be a little much for you, but it’s still a great way to grow closer to your father.

Collect and Trade Wine

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Countless family vintners

“Drinking with dad” carries different connotations over the course of your life. When you’re young it’s having that first beer. As you get older, having a few with dad is about the time when you realize that he’s a real person, just like you. As you both get older, though, it’s the perfect time to appreciate the finer points of alcohol, particularly wine. The world is awash with vintners passing down the ancient tradition of winemaking to their sons for generations. You and your dad don’t have to make wine (in fact, please don’t), but you can enjoy it together. Getting into a nice bottle of cab franc, malbec, or whatever you enjoy while you get things off your chest is a fine tradition to share together indeed.

Work Together

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Will and Jaden Smith

Now that his son Jaden is roughly of age (and even before then), superstar father Will Smith seems to jump at every opportunity to buddy up with his son in co-starring movie roles. Of course, you and your pop aren’t movie stars, but the idea is the same — one of the perks of having kids is seeing them grow up to be adults with whom you can share some passions and interests. Help out with dad at the family business if such a thing exists, or maybe start a woodworking or repair project. Your dad will appreciate the helping hand almost as much as the time he gets to spend with you.

Go On A Camping Trip

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Matthew McConaughey and son Levi

Camping, when done properly (that is, in a tent or simple RV, not one of those “glamping” outfits), is an excellent way to get in touch with nature, disconnect and unwind. Chances are dad dragged you on a camping trip or two in your formative years, so now you can return the favor. Matthew McConaughey is so into camping that it was the theme of his wedding, and loves to travel around the country with his wife and son Levi in his Airstream camper. The nomadic lifestyle might not be a fit for you and your dad, but an annual camping trip is still a perfect occasion to get you, your dad and your son (if you have one) together for a multi-generational experience.

Attend Sporting Events

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Billy Crystal and father Jack Crystal

Just as playing baseball (or football, or basketball, or whatever your game is) with dad is both a great way to learn and have fun, so is watching the game in person. While taking in the live action sounds of your favorite game, dad can regale you with tales of bygone greats and provide interesting bits of trivia relevant to the game going on in front of you. Watch Ken Burns’ documentary Baseball, and it’s abundantly clear the impact that attending Yankees games with his father had on a frequent contributor, the actor Billy Crystal.